Read the two texts below.
Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words throughout as far as possible, and include your own ideas in your answers.
Write your answer in 240 – 280 words.
Memory in our future?
A good memory is invaluable. An inability to make use of memory and past experience can severely impact how well we perform both mentally and physically. Nowadays, we rely on computers, mobiles and other electronic devices to store our most important information, which is never more than a mouse click away. However, there is growing concern that this reliance on electronic equipment may affect the how our internal memory system will develop in the future. It remains to be seen whether those concerns are indeed likely to figure in our future.
Using our memory
Memory is commonly assumed to be a record of our past, but all too often these memories have had our imagination shape them. It is not wise, therefore, to regard memory as a source of knowledge, as we will never be able to confirm the accuracy of a memory fully. Although memory is an unreliable source of knowledge about the past, its importance in our own identity is undeniable. With memory loss as a result of accident or illness, one of the most distressing consequences, for an individual, is likely to be a loss of self. Indeed, it might be said that a person’s true identity is really his or her collection of memories.
Write your essay.